FOX 47 - Sports

Green Bay- The Packers want to keep their friends close... and their referees closer. It's common practice around the league for teams to work closely with NFL officials throughout the preseason. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy likes the interaction between his players, assistant coaches, and the refs.

"It's the interactive part between our coaching staff and more importantly the players. It's very important for our players to get to know those guys- not that they're gonna give them a call or anything like that- But they go to the meetings and talk about things. It's continuing education. To me it's very beneficial to the clubs when these officials come in."Getting friendly with the refs